Uncompromising. From the Start.
Ralph McKay, the namesake of our firm (1885-1959), began work in 1898 at his uncle’s manufacturing plant, Sunshine Harvester Works (later renamed in 1921 to H.V. McKay Pty Ltd, a prominent manufacturer of machinery and equipment for the Australian farming community), and through demonstrating ingenuity and skill rose to become Engineer-in-Chief in 1910. During his time at Sunshine Harvester and later H.V. McKay Pty Ltd, Ralph travelled the world examining the production processes of many manufacturing companies. Through these experiences Ralph determined that embracing focus and specialization creates Exceptional Quality and Excellent Value which he imparted into those processes at home.
In 1931 due to various disagreements related to a 1930 merger of H.V. McKay Pty Ltd and the Australian interests of the Canadian company Massey Harris, Ralph resigned and established Ralph McKay Engineering Works in Ascot Vale the following year in 1932. Ralph McKay Engineering Works, which would eventually become what Ralph McKay Industries, Inc. is today, provided Discs, Coulters, Wheels, and Rims to Ralph’s former employer, now H.V. McKay Massey Harris Pty Ltd. In 1935, Ralph established a new plant in Maidstone, Victoria outgrowing his Ascot Vale plant. By 1950, Ralph McKay Engineering Works had become the largest privately owned business in Australia. That same year the company was re-organized as a public entity to become Ralph McKay Ltd. Ralph McKay passed away in 1959.
North America. 1976.
In 1976, responding to increasing demand and looking to expand its global presence, Ralph McKay Ltd established a manufacturing plant in the heart of the Canadian wheat belt where it remains today. Early in the 1990’s, the Australian parent company, Ralph McKay Ltd, declared bankruptcy while the Regina operations thrived, and in 1992 the directors of the Canadian operation, Mr. Hans Gaastra, Mr. Derril McLeod, and Mr. Ross Giles, seized on the opportunity to purchase the Canadian Manufacturing operation’s assets and continuing the business under the name Ralph McKay Industries, Inc. manufacturing the McKay Brand of parts.
Building on the Legacy.
Understanding our role in the production and importance of high-performing farming tools and equipment used throughout the world, and doing it very well, our company has continued to create Exceptional Quality and Excellent Value parts, true our namesake’s manufacturing philosophy. It is because of this philosophy that Ralph McKay’s presence has grown steadily through the years through acquisitions and mergers with The Empire Plow Company, Inc., Wiese Industries, Inc. and Harvest Services.
Since 2020, Ralph McKay Industries, Inc. has been wholly owned and managed by Mr. Giles’ sons, Trevor and Ian Giles. With lifetimes of experience within the McKay group of companies and steadfast dedication to creating premium quality products, providing top‑notch customer-service, and driving innovation, Ralph McKay Industries, Inc. is poised to be an industry leader for decades to come.
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